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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current iteration of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in a long time. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

While it is tough to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. Had injuries to crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other essential individuals, he could remain in the position—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a fairly positive scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this gifted roster should be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

The home side, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their last five matches, their performances have frequently been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has never played together, arranged in a system they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.